Abstract: A system and method for developing applications (Apps) for automated assessment and analysis of processed biological samples. Such samples are obtained, combined with nutrient media and incubated. The incubated samples are imaged and the image information is classified according to predetermined criteria. The classified image information is then evaluated according to Apps derived from classified historical image information in a data base. The classified historical image information is compared with the classified image information to provide guidance on further processing of the biological sample through Apps tailored to process provide sample process guidance tailored to the classifications assigned to the image information.

Abstract: A system and method for developing applications (Apps) for automated assessment and analysis of processed biological samples. Such samples are obtained, combined with nutrient media and incubated. The incubated samples are imaged and the image information is classified according to predetermined criteria. The classified image information is then evaluated according to Apps derived from classified historical image information in a data base. The classified historical image information is compared with the classified image information to provide guidance on further processing of the biological sample through Apps tailored to process provide sample process guidance tailored to the classifications assigned to the image information.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for streaking a microbial sample onto a solid carrier, comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with a solid carrier, followed or preceded by providing the particle with at least part of said sample, and b) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle on said surface, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the solid carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out such method in an (semi-)automated fashion.

Abstract: A system and method for developing applications (Apps) for automated assessment and analysis of processed biological samples. Such samples are obtained, combined with nutrient media and incubated. The incubated samples are imaged and the image information is classified according to predetermined criteria. The classified image information is then evaluated according to Apps derived from classified historical image information in a data base. The classified historical image information is compared with the classified image information to provide guidance on further processing of the biological sample through Apps tailored to process provide sample process guidance tailored to the classifications assigned to the image information.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for streaking a microbial sample onto a solid carrier, comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with a solid carrier, followed or preceded by providing the particle with at least part of said sample, and b) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle on said surface, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the solid carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out such method in an (semi-)automated fashion.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for transferring a microbial sample from a first carrier to a second carrier, comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with at least part of the sample associated with the first carrier, wherein the particle is a composite bead having a surface roughness (Ra) in the range of 0.1 to 25 ?m, a diameter between 2 to 88 mm and a density below 7 g/cm3, and b) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle to said second carrier, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the second carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for inoculating petri dishes with the sample according to the method and also inoculating slides and/or tubes with a portion of the sample.

Abstract: Disc dispensing device for dispensing discs impregnated with antibiotics onto a culture dish. The device comprises a stationary support on which a magazine is removably mounted. The magazine holds a plurality of tubular containers each containing a stack of discs to be dispensed. A moving means moves one disc from a bottom end of a tubular container to a pick-up position. From the pick-up position a transfer means picks up said one disc and transfers it to the culture dish where it is dispensed. The removable culture dish is supported by a moveable carriage which is mounted on the stationary support. The carriage is moveable relative to the magazine from a starting position to an operating position and vice versa. Control means control the operation of the device. The plurality of tubular containers is rotatable around a magazine centre under control of the control means.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for transferring a microbial sample from a first carrier to a second carrier, comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with at least part of the sample associated with the first carrier, wherein the particle is a composite bead having a surface roughness (Ra) in the range of 0.1 to 25 ?m, a diameter between 2 to 88 mm and a density below 7 g/cm3, and b) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle to said second carrier, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the second carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for inoculating petri dishes with the sample according to the method and also inoculating slides and/or tubes with a portion of the sample.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for streaking a microbial sample onto a solid carrier, comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with a solid carrier, followed or preceded by providing the particle with at least part of said sample, and b) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle on said surface, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the solid carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out such method in an (semi-)automated fashion.

Abstract: Disc dispensing device for dispensing discs impregnated with antibiotics onto a culture dish. The device comprises a stationary support on which a magazine is removably mounted. The magazine holds a plurality of tubular containers each containing a stack of discs to be dispensed. A moving means moves one disc from a bottom end of a tubular container to a pick-up position. From the pick-up position a transfer means picks up said one disc and transfers it to the culture dish where it is dispensed. The removable culture dish is supported by a moveable carriage which is mounted on the stationary support. The carriage is moveable relative to the magazine from a starting position to an operating position and vice versa. Control means control the operation of the device. The plurality of tubular containers is rotatable around a magazine centre under control of the control means.

Abstract: Disc dispensing device for dispensing discs impregnated with antibiotics onto a culture dish. The device comprises a stationary support on which a magazine is removably mounted. The magazine holds a plurality of tubular containers each containing a stack of discs to be dispensed. A moving means moves one disc from a bottom end of a tubular container to a pick-up position. From the pick-up position a transfer means picks up said one disc and transfers it to the culture dish where it is dispensed. The removable culture dish is supported by a moveable carriage which is mounted on the stationary support. The carriage is moveable relative to the magazine from a starting position to an operating position and vice versa. Control means control the operation of the device. The plurality of tubular containers is rotatable around a magazine center under control of the control means.

Abstract: Disc dispensing device for dispensing discs impregnated with antibiotics onto a culture dish. The device comprises a stationary support on which a magazine is removably mounted. The magazine holds a plurality of tubular containers each containing a stack of discs to be dispensed. A moving means moves one disc from a bottom end of a tubular container to a pick-up position. From the pick-up position a transfer means picks up said one disc and transfers it to the culture dish where it is dispensed. The removable culture dish is supported by a moveable carriage which is mounted on the stationary support. The carriage is moveable relative to the magazine from a starting position to an operating position and vice versa. Control means control the operation of the device. The plurality of tubular containers is rotatable around a magazine centre under control of the control means.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for streaking a microbial sample onto a solid carrier, comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with a solid carrier, followed or preceded by providing the particle with at least part of said sample, and b) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle on said surface, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the solid carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out such method in an (semi-)automated fashion.